MassRMV Announces Standard Driver's Licenses Regardless of Immigration Status

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced plans to implement the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), effective on July 1. 

Under the new law, eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver's license, regardless of immigration status, as the WFMA removes the requirement that residents provide immigration status proof. 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act is a benefit for public safety, for our economy, and for our immigrant residents who should be able to drive to work, school, or the grocery store without fear. We are grateful to the advocates, legislators and public safety leaders who have worked so hard to get us to this point," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are excited to begin implementing this new law, and the RMV has been working diligently to ensure a smooth process for all eligible applicants." 

Over the past several months, the RMV has identified and created informational resources specifically to help guide new customers as they begin the process to secure a Standard license credential. To further support this effort, the RMV has also worked directly with immigration advocacy groups, stakeholders, and impacted communities to facilitate and coordinate public outreach and to solicit feedback on implementation efforts so that best practices can be adopted.  

The RMV remains committed to providing quality services to all customers and has been working to develop informational resources, which include: 

  • An informational website, Mass.Gov/WFMA, which includes helpful information on the WFMA, details identification requirements and outlines steps which must be undertaken by eligible individuals to get a Standard Class D or Class M driver’s license, including successfully passing a vision screening, and scheduling separate appointments for a learner’s permit and road test.  
  • A special informational phoneline, 857-368-WFMA (9362), to hear messaging in six languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese. Additional languages will be added soon. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions and a public flyer on the RMV for customers as they prepare their applications.  

? The RMV is also working on additional ways to support residents, and will soon be offering the following: 

  •  Materials will be 15 languages, permits available in 35 languages, and interpreters (phone and in-person) available in 100+ languages. 
  • Expanding call center staffing by 50 percent and adding a temporary, dedicated WFMA inquiry line operated by a vendor with live customer service representatives. 
  • Expanding staffing at customer service centers by 50 percent and expanding hours of operation at many locations to include Saturdays and some evening hours. 
  • More than doubling the number of road test examiners, adding temporary road test sites, and expanding hours for road test operations at many locations. 

To prepare for the application process, the RMV is also providing tips to eligible residents in advance:  

1.     Appointments are required: You will need to make two separate appointments online to take your learner’s permit exam and take a road test. Walk-ins will not be available. Starting July 1, make your appointment online at Mass.Gov/myRMV.?Appointments will fill up fast at popular RMV locations (Haymarket, Watertown, Quincy), so consider expanding your location preferences to find more availability. 

2.     Prepare your documents: Before your appointment, be sure to gather a proof of identity; proof of date of birth; and documents proving Massachusetts residency.?For the expanded list of acceptable documents, see Mass.Gov/WFMA. If any documents are not in English, the RMV will require the document to be accompanied by a certified English translation.  

3.     Standard fees apply: Costs are $30 for a learner’s permit exam fee, $35 for a road test fee, and $50 for a Class D driver’s license fee. The RMV encourages applicants to pay online in advance at Mass.Gov/myRMV.  

4.     Study and practice driving: Learn the Massachusetts rules of the road so you can successfully pass your learner’s permit exam. Practice driving with a licensed driver in the car before you take your scheduled road test. Be sure you know how to use hand signals, how to turn the vehicle on, how to use directional signals and the vehicle mirrors while driving. 

5.     Bring an interpreter if possible: Customer service centers will have translation services available by telephone for your appointment. If you need an interpreter for your road test and have a friend, loved one, or someone else who can accompany to translate, the RMV encourages you to bring them along. Otherwise, you can request an interpreter from the RMV when scheduling a road test.  

6.     Bring a licensed driver and a vehicle to your road test: All applicants for a driver's license must bring a licensed driver to their road test to comply with the rules for driving under a Learner’s Permit. You must also provide a vehicle with valid registration and inspection documentation for the road test. You will not be able to take your road test if you do not bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to your appointment.?? 

7.     Beware of bad actors: The RMV cautions residents to beware of fraudulent websites and scams. The RMV is the only organization authorized to issue a driver’s license and to collect fees. Customers needing credentials should never pay someone for an RMV appointment. There are no special brokers authorized to help you get an appointment or a license. Make sure that you pay fees only at Mass.Gov/myRMV or in person at an RMV location. 

 


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Pittsfield Reviews Financial Condition Before FY27 Budget

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased by more than 40 percent since 2022. 

This was reported during a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee on March 19, when the city's financial condition was reviewed ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process.

Mayor Peter Marchetti said the administration is getting "granular" with line items to find cost savings in the budget.  At the time, they had spoken to a handful of departments, asking tough questions and identifying vacancies and retirements. 

Last fiscal year’s $226,246,942 spending plan was a nearly 4.8 percent increase from FY24. 

In the last five years, the average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased 42 percent, from $222,073 in 2022 to $315,335 in 2026. 

"Your tax bill is your property value times the tax rate," the mayor explained. 

"When the tax rate goes up, it's usually because property values have gone down. When the property values go up, the tax rate comes down." 

Tax bills have increased on average by $280 per year over the last five years; the average home costs $5,518 annually in 2026. In 2022, the residential tax rate was $18.56 per thousand dollars of valuation, and the tax rate is $17.50 in 2026. 

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